West Trenton Street Alleyway Activation
In collaboration with MICA, Midtown Baltimore is working with female Baltimore-based artist Jaz Erenberg to develop a mural on the façade of the two buildings on either side of the Trenton Street alley to be installed in Spring 2024. Funding support for this project is graciously supplied by our partners at the Baltimore Community Foundation and the Baltimore National Heritage Area.
Part of the Falls Gateway Masterplan, this transformative project includes installation of overhead lighting, repaving of the street, and creation of public art.
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Imagine stepping into West Trenton Alley, enveloped by a mesmerizing convergence
of dynamic color rays dancing and weaving before you. As you traverse the alley, these vibrant hues fold around corners, vanishing into long-forgotten windows, while remnants
of diverse architectural styles stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time.
Each color ray is meticulously chosen to embody the cultural tapestry of the surrounding communities. Drawing inspiration from traditions, red symbolizes passion and vitality in Korean culture, while blue evokes spirituality, mirroring the vastness of the sky in Jewish tradition. Moreover, in Black American culture, the color black can symbolize resilience and strength, while in Nepalese culture, it often signifies protection and stability. Similarly, in Islamic culture, green may symbolize prosperity and renewal, whereas in Hindu traditions, yellow is often associated with happiness and spiritual enlightenment. By incorporating these diverse hues, the installation not only celebrates cultural heritage but also fosters a sense of inclusivity and unity within the community.
Emerging from focal points at each entrance, these rays refract and interplay with the existing architecture, creating a visual spectacle that draws the gaze upward and across the space. Angular beams of light seemingly ricochet from wall to wall, engaging with specific points throughout the alley.
Picture bursts of color playfully wrapping around corners or disappearing through sealed doorways, only to reemerge in a radiant display beneath the skybridge. The sequential arrangement of the rays, mirroring the orientation of the entrance points, guides viewers through the alley, imbuing the space with a sense of continuity and purpose.
By transforming West Trenton Alley into a vibrant canvas of cultural expression, this project not only revitalizes the urban landscape but also celebrates the rich diversity and heritage of the surrounding communities. Through the interplay of light, color, and architecture, it invites residents and visitors alike to embark on a sensory journey that transcends boundaries and fosters a deeper connection with the space. Moreover, the installation serves as a catalyst for community engagement and interaction.
As visitors navigate through the alley, they are encouraged to reflect on the significance of each color and its cultural connotations, sparking conversations and fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. Additionally, the project provides a platform for local artists to showcase their work, further enriching the cultural fabric of the neighborhood.
In conclusion, the West Trenton Alley Color Rays project not only transforms a neglected urban space into a vibrant cultural hub but also fosters community cohesion, celebrates diversity, and promotes artistic expression. Through its immersive and inclusive design, it stands as a testament to the power of art to unite and inspire.
About the Color Rays Project by Artist Jaz Erenberg
About the Artist:
AfroLatina artist, Jaz Erenberg painted her first mural in 2017 and immediately knew that if she could find a way to engage the community around her, the mural could be that much more impactful! Over the last 6 years, her practice has grown through collaboration with communities to build creative ways to make them feel seen and heard throughout the process. Using workshops and events, communities have become an integral part of how she creates public artwork. When a community is involved in how their space can be transformed, their sense of ownership and pride is reignited and they become a stronger, more connected community.
“I love working in public, my favorite thing to do is pull people off the street and put a brush in their hand. Some are hesitant, but once that mural is finished, there is such a sense of pride and renewed ownership within that community. People who walk past it every day get to say, I did that!”
Learn more about Jaz at jazerenberg.com
